The Best of Banff and Jasper camping tour

This morning you meet with your guide as arranged in Calgary or in Banff. On the campground (showers) in the forests of Banff National Park you pitch your tent for the next two days. Now it is time for the first hike along the shores of Minnewanka Lake, or one of the many mountain trails around Banff.
Hiking time 2 – 3 hours.

On a full day hike you explore passes above the tree line and alpine meadows. For example 7.5 km with 725 m gain (4.6 mi, 2414 ft) to a small lake and possibly 2 km further into the pass at 2470 m (8225 ft). After the hike you might want to relax in the warm pool of the Sulphur Mountain Hot Springs, or walk down the busy streets of Banff with its many stores and visitors from around the world. Hiking time 5 – 7 hours.

You would not want to miss the picture postcard scenery surrounding Lake Louise. The guide suggests the 3.5 km (2 mi) path with 400 m gain (1325 ft) to the historic tea house by an alpine lake. Here a network of easy to demanding trails is tempting you to go further and higher. For example the 15 km (9.3 mi) circuit into the Plain of Six Glaciers, or a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) climb with 515 m (1705 ft) gain to a summit with exceptional views of nearby peaks and distant landscapes. Camp for today and tomorrow (showers) near the alpine village of Lake Louise. Hiking time 3 – 5 hours

There is an opportunity for a great white-water rafting trip on the Kicking Horse River. It involves a side trip to Golden in B.C., headquarters for many outdoor adventures. Of course hiking is always an alternative. Among the choice of trails the guide would like to show you, is an 18 km (11 mi) circuit trough two flower decorated passes at 1830 m and 2180 m (6093 ft and 7250 ft) and spectacular views of Emerald Lake. The Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls, Spiral Tunnel are among the attractions you visit in Yoho Park. Hiking time 6 hours.

Frequent stops and short excursions along the Icefields Parkway on your way into the heart of the Rockies. At Bow Pass you hike the few steps up to the platform overlooking the stunning blue of Peyto Lake. At the Columbia Icefields huge glaciers spawn rivers, which eventually reach three different oceans. Saskatchewan Glacier is best viewed from far above, after hiking 2.5 km to a windy ridge at 2260 m (7525 ft). Camp for the next two days is near the little holiday town of Jasper (showers). Hiking time 2 hours.

So many possibilities: swimming and a picnic at Pyramid Lake, mountain biking, trail rides, canoeing and more. Or join the guide for a side trip to Maligne Lake and the 8 km (5 mile) loop hike with 460 m gain (1532 ft) into the hills above tree line at 2150 m (7160 ft) elevation and possibly all the way to a 2790 m (9290 ft) peak overlooking this beautiful lake. Hiking time 2 – 6 hours.

Mighty Athabasca Falls count among the attractions of this park. Trails near the Columbia Icefields start at tree line and are especially rewarding thanks to their magnificent views of the glaciers and surrounding ranges. Here you hike i8 km (5 mi) with 335 m (1155 ft) gain into a pass at 2375 m (7980 ft) overlooking Athabasca Glacier. After lunch is transfer back to Banff or Calgary (possibly in a large, comfortable coach). Hiking time 2 – 3 hours.

Arrival in Banff is around 6:30 pm, at the Calgary airport around 9:45 pm.